Missouri State University-West Plains students have saved more than $50,000 to date on course materials through the university’s Affordable Access Program at Drago College Store, officials shared.
The program provides students with digital course materials at prices below publishers’ digital list prices. Materials included in the program are automatically available through Brightspace, the university’s online learning management system, on the first day of class.
The program was piloted in fall 2025 with 15 course sections. It has since expanded to 81 course sections for the fall 2026 semester.
Drago College Store Manager Wayne Cahoj said the idea came from a VitalSource conference session he attended in 2024. Missouri State University in Springfield began using the program before the West Plains campus, which helped guide MSU-WP’s implementation.
“Affordable Access is about making sure students have the materials they need without adding unnecessary financial pressure,” Cahoj said. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the program since we piloted it last year, and it’s exciting to see how much we’re able to save students.”
During the 2025-26 academic year, the Affordable Access Program saved students an estimated $28,000 compared with publishers’ digital list prices.
As of the beginning of the fall 2026 semester, estimated savings had reached approximately $26,000.
“Affordable Access makes it easier for students to begin learning from day one,” said MSU-WP faculty member Tresa Ryan. “This convenient, streamlined access allows students to engage with course content immediately and focus on learning from the very first day of class.”
Students who prefer physical textbooks still have options. Physical course materials remain available in most cases and can be ordered for students who prefer a traditional textbook.
For more information about Missouri State University-West Plains, visit WP.MissouriState.edu.
